Bukidnon Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Sep282020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Wild week with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Blogging, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Consumer, Features, Mindanaoan Update, Reviews, Society, Travel, Videos

So I just had a realization. After taking the Ford Ranger Raptor for a spin a few weeks ago, I realized that I LOVE driving pick-up trucks! The Ford Raptor, for instance, is huge but oh what a joy it is to drive! This love for pick-up vehicles was again solidified when I had a fun, wild week with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak (yasss)! Don’t you just love how versatile it looks? The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a workhorse for sure (built for tough!) but you can also easily take it to easy breezy picnics, to the beach and to the mountains for memorable hang-outs with family and relatives at a cozy cabin (which I did!). Muscular yet feminine. Does that make sense? I brought the Ford Ranger Wildtrak to so many places around Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon (Malaybalay City and Dahilayan,...

Aug242020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Easy city to mountain driving aboard the Ford EcoSport

Bukidnon, Cafe, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Reviews, Society, Style, Travel, Videos

Don’t you just miss bonding with family and friends, going on a road trip, savoring scenic views and delicious food, and just having a great time with those close to your heart? I’m sure this is something all of us miss and look forward to doing. Fortunately, I recently had the opportunity to see some of my friends (whom I haven’t seen since the onset of the pandemic!) and bond with my relatives. That meant driving to the city, to hinterlands, to a farm and to a newly-discovered (an accidental discovery brought about by a call from a dear friend whom I also haven’t seen in a darn long time) area that had a killer view! And so, aboard the Ford EcoSport Titanium, my weekend went off to a great start. My friends and I went to this new cafe uptown and then proceeded to Indaha...

Aug112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Day trip idea: Fortune Valley and Manalog Falls in Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism, Travel

During this pandemic, I've been spending more of my time in Bukidnon. This beautiful province is located in Central Mindanao and is recognized as the food basket of Mindanao. I love the absolutely chill vibe of this place and here, I can truly rest, read, do passion projects, do what I like and at the kind of pace I want. It also helps that the prices here are still way cheaper compared to those in the city. The closest city, by the way, is Cagayan de Oro. Anyway, I've been going on road trips as of late and now, my relatives and I are thinking of probably trekking or exploring the mountains and rivers. A Malaybalay resident by the name of Enrico Asentista inspired me to do a day trip in Malaybalay. I didn't even know about these two places! The good news is that these are just very nea...

Jul292020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

LOOK: Matigsalug – Manobo tribes get new tribal hall in Kitaotao

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Culture, Government, Mindanao, Society

Two of Mindanao's tribes now have a new tribal hall complete with sleeping quarters. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribes in Kitaotao, Bukidnon recently received a new tribal hall with sleeping quarters. The new tribal hall, located at Brgy. Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was inaugurated on July 24, 2020. The Matigsalug - Manobo tribal hall was funded under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi-CIDSS and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process under its PAyapa and MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) framework. PAMANA is the government's peace and development framework that aims to strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas. DSWD says that PAMANA has reportedly expanded to include the funding of projects for IPs u...

Jul102020 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Conquering Mangima Road with Ford Ranger Raptor

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Features, Leisure, LifeStyle, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Society, Travel

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that I am in the market for a new vehicle and currently weighing options. Aside from budget, comfort level and features, I thought I also needed a vehicle that could fit my busy and adventure-filled lifestyle but can also be formal and practical, preferably one that didn’t really require further modifications. See, I may be a girl but more often than not, I’m not that girly-girl, if you know what I mean. I have my happy-in-a-dress days but I have more makeup-free, slippers-only, super comfortable clothes on days. So, to me, that’s a challenge. Is there a vehicle out there for someone who loves to travel and conquer many adventures but who also loves to take the family, friends and loved ones for fun escapades, lead community projects, volun...

Jun242020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Donated earsavers for brave frontliners – JOIN US!

Advocacy, Blogging, Bukidnon, Features, Gifts, LifeStyle, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Personal, Society

Ever since this whole pandemic started, I've led a couple of donation drives, joined information campaigns and contributed to many fundraising efforts. Anybody who really knows me can attest that I'm not exactly the type who likes to post about those but I want to make an exception this time. Firstly, because I am hoping that more people will be inspired. Secondly, because our fight against this global health crisis is far from over and the world needs more volunteers. Thirdly, because this project is really simple, doable and very budget-friendly --- not to mention fun to do! Let me tell you about earsavers. Earsavers protect the ears from chafing or developing skin irritation while you wear a face mask. You can also wear earsavers so the ear loops don't tug your ears and eventuall...

May242020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Panagatan Restaurant reopens all branches, offers 30 percent discount

Bukidnon, Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Food, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, Restaurant

Considered as Northern Mindanao's culinary gem and everyone's favorite seafood restaurant, Panagatan Restaurant is back in business! Panagatan Restaurant is all geared up to cater to pickup, takeout and delivery orders! Plus, here's an amazing deal - 30 percent off on all seafood meals! This offer lasts until May 31, 2020 so I highly recommend that you visit the Panagatan Restaurant branch nearest you. They have 6 branches, folks! Their main one, my favorite, is in Opol. It's atop the water so you can enjoy the sea breeze. They then have branches in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Valencia City, Bukidnon. PLEASE CALL THESE NUMBERS Opol - 0917 713 1436Ayala Malls (Centrio) - 0923 087 2418 / landline 323 1390SM Downtown - 0927 851 6711 / landline 859 1376SM City Uptown - 09...

Apr212020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao gets 6,000 COVID-19 test kits from Senator Migs Zubiri

Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Caraga, Cotabato, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao, News, Surigao, Surigao del Norte

The Senator from Mindanao, my friend Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri, is stepping up and helping the country in its continuing battle against the deadly coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Following his initial donation of COVID-19 test kits to the Philippine General Hospital through the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health early April 2020, he now has donated 6,000 COVID-19 antibody diagnostic kits to hospitals around Mindanao. Two thousand (2,000) kits will go to the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center in Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Another two thousand (2,000 kits) to Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental; 1,000 test kits to Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao, Surigao del Norte; And, finally, one thousand...

Feb232020 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Bratpack to open in Robinsons Place Valencia

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Features, Shopping

One of my favorite travel and lifestyle stores is finally opening a branch in Bukidnon! Bratpack, a lifestyle store offering the widest range of international bag, footwear, and apparel brands, will open at the Ground Floor of Robinsons Place Valencia located at Hagkol, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Watch out for the soft opening on March 5, 2020! I hear that there will be cool discounts in-store plus awesome music and entertainment! I'll keep you all in the loop. Join me on Facebook for updates! The Bratpack store in Robinsons Place Valencia Bukidnon is near the main entrance (turn left). I can't wait for their first Bukidnon branch! It will most probably look just like their Centrio Mall branch: The Bratpack Bukidnon store will feature these brands: Jansp...

Feb112020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

UPDATED: Kaamulan Festival 2020 in Bukidnon now canceled

Announcements, Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update, Tourism

UPDATE: Less than a day after the Bukidnon provincial board decided to push through with the Kaamulan Festival 2020, Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. has now canceled the annual gathering altogether. Despite an advisory from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the ongoing threat of the spread of the novel Coronavirus, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon will push through. This, according to Bukidnon Second District Board Member Atty. Nemesio "Jun" Beltran. The DOH advisory, duly signed by Secretary Francisco Duque, urged the public to "avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees." The health department also recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice. "The governor cons...

Jan202020 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Kaamulan Festival 2020 Schedule of Activities

Advocacy, Announcements, Arts, Bukidnon, Culture, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Kaamulan Festival, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Northern Mindanao, Society, Tourism, Travel

Kaamulan Festival 2020 na! After missing this annual Bukidnon festival for a few years, I am finally going to witness it again. The Kaamulan Festival is the annual gathering of the 7 Bukidnon hill tribes namely Tigwahanun, Talaandig, Matigsalug, Higaonon, Bukidnon, Manobo and Umayamnun. The Kaamulan Festival is also considered as the only authentic ethnic festival left in the Philippines. By virtue of a provincial resolution authored by Bukidnon District 2 Board Member Atty. Jun Beltran, the Kaamulan Festival in Bukidnon is held from March 23 to April 23 every year. The dates are fixed. However, the sitting Bukidnon governor will have the option to change them provided there's a viable reason to do so. Ergo, this year's Kaamulan Festival 2020 will be on March 23 to April 23....

Jan132020 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Robinsons Appliances made me do these fun 60-second challenges

Bukidnon, Entertainment, Events, Features, Freebies, Gifts, Society

Robinsons Appliances' Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge is back on its 3rd year and this time around, I finally got to join! This was made possible because Robinsons Appliances, one of the country's leading appliances and consumer electronics retailers, decided to bring Race To A Minute: A 60-Second Challenge to local communities. What started as a shopping spree event in 2017 has now become bigger and definitely more exciting. This year, Race To A Minute featured 12 participating brands namely Fujidenzo, Haier, JBL, LG, Sharp, TCL, Skyworth, American Home, Realme, Devant, Whirlpool and Grand Videoke. Each brand had a booth and a corresponding 60-second challenge that customers needed to complete so they can avail of exclusive discounts or receive FREEBIES! Robinsons ...

Nov282019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

LOOK: Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex, Museum

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Misamis Oriental, Sports, Tourism

During the recent Bukidnon Poverty Summit, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri delivered updates with regard to the soon-to-rise Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex. The 13-hectare property, which will be located in Barangay Laguitas, Malaybalay City, will feature a grandstand, a track and field oval, a gymnasium, an aquatic center, a fencing court, a museum, and a dormitory. "Once completed, Bukidnon will be capable of hosting national and regional sports competitions, theater and cultural performances. This will promote sports and cultural activities among our youth and people and bring them away from vices and other unproductive activities," the senator said. The Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and Senator Migz Zu...

Nov192019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

KABIT now for sale

Announcements, Bukidnon, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanaoan Update

In Tagalog, kabit means attach, fasten or connect. In Bisaya, kabit is the usual term for mistress, male lover or someone you get entangled in an illicit affair with. The KABIT that's now for sale? It's neither ;) I'm talking about KABIT (tear-jerker) salt and pepper crunchy chili garlic made by Christine, a friendly entrepreneur I met in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon! So, yes, you could say that kabits are being produced right from Bukidnon, considered the food basket of Mindanao ;) I first met Christine a few weeks ago. Apparently she has been following my blogs! A few days later, my mother and I met with her personally. We also met another Bukidnon entrepreneur that day, Paula, who made delicious pineapple jam, pineapple cider vinegar and pineapple filled muffins. They wer...

Oct212019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

UPDATED with more photos: Bukidnon airport to feature pineapple design

Announcements, Bukidnon, Business, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Society, Tourism

The most-awaited Bukidnon airport, located at Maray-Maray, Municipality of Don Carlos, will reportedly feature a lovely pineapple-inspired design. This, according to Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri. In fact, Senator Migs Zubiri, a longtime friend, personally sent to me the design plan! He said that I have the first crack at this Bukidnon airport design plan so for that I'm truly grateful! LOOK: (please subscribe for more exclusive updates --- it will only take 2 seconds, I promise!) https://youtu.be/6FdC_bbzJAY Sir Migs also disclosed that the groundwork is now 80 percent complete and a Php 630 Million bidding for the concretion will be held early November 2019. He also personally told me that he is working on amending the national budget for next ye...

Jul292019 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

Spotted: Durian Cacao in Bukidnon Philippines

Advocacy, Agriculture, Bukidnon, Business

I recently accompanied newly minted Congressman Atty. John Flores of the Second District of Bukidnon. We went to Barangay Bantuanon in Lantapan, a municipality known for its rich flora and fauna, natural parks, organic plantations and tribal communities. It was the 29th Araw ng Bantuanon celebration and I was happy to be with my good friend Atty. John again after what was a pretty exciting 2019 election season. I was also happy to discover something pretty fascinating that day, too: DURIAN CACAO. Yep, you read that right. Durian cacao. It looks like a cacao fruit but, as the ladies who manned that particular booth Atty. John and I visited told us, its seeds are actually pungent a.k.a. they smelled like durian! That's durian cacao that John's holding: Here's how it...

Mar252019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

How to name your own tree in the Philippines

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Society, Technology

You can now name a tree in the Philippines and it will hardly cost you anything! Actually, this will be extra easy if you're a Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and TM customer. Why? Because if you are, then you have a chance to not only name your own tree but you can also help restore the Philippines’ primary rainforest cover when you donate your Globe Rewards points to Hineleban Foundation by March 31, 2019. Hineleban (He-ne-leu-ban) is a Sacred Binukid term literally meaning “Mother Tree of the rainforest that sustains the cycle of all life." Hineleban Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organisation based in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Their vision is to ensure the nation’s water, food and human security by reforesting the mountain ranges of Mindanao, home to the country’s last watersheds. These ...

Feb172019 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon Zoo to open, here are the entrance fees and rules

Advocacy, Bukidnon, Features, Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City, Tourism

The Province of Bukidnon is finally opening its very own zoo. The Bukidnon Zoo, which is set to open on February 26, 2019 March 5, 2019, is located at the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon. (Here's how to get to Malaybalay) The Kaamulan Grounds, which underwent extensive renovations and now has a water fountain and a footbridge, is also where the Tulugan cottages are. These are government-owned cottages amid pine trees that anybody can rent through the Bukidnon Tourism Office. With the impending opening of the Bukidnon Zoo, the Kaamulan Grounds will now soon be home of many different animals, picnic facilities, a playground and a snack store. The Bukidnon Zoo will feature various animals such as deer, bear cat, parrot, monkey, crocodile, boar, snak...

Feb92019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

New nesting area for Philippine Eagle identified

Bukidnon, Features, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Society

Here's good news! A new nesting territory for the mighty monkey-eating Philippine Eagle has been identified...and yes, it's in Mindanao, particularly in the highlands of Bukidnon. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, they have duly verified local reports that indicated the presence of a Philippine Eagle and its offspring in Bukidnon. The said foundation said that they conducted a 2-week expedition and confirmed that there's an eaglet about 10 months old and its parent in the Bukidnon highlands. This is a really positive development especially since there are only about 400 Philippine Eagles left. My friend, Atty. John Flores, who is gunning for the District 2 congressional seat, cautioned that people should be more mindful of the Philippine Eagles' nesting areas. Th...

Jan142019 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Iligan to Bukidnon road now ready, travel time reduced by 2 hours

Bukidnon, Iligan City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Travel

Do you frequently travel from Bukidnon to Iligan City? Here's good news! Travel time between these two major Mindanao areas is now reduced by roughly 2 hours because of the Sta. Felomina - Bonbonon - Digkilaan - Rogongon route. Traditionally, travelers need to pass through Cagayan de Oro. However, because of this new Iligan to Bukidnon road, travelers now have an alternative route - a time-saving option. Technically, this road serves between Iligan City and Talakag town in Bukidnon. This 60.40 km road section in Iligan City is part of the Mindanao East-West Lateral Road that involves opening and concreting of roads with cross drainage, safety road improvements and lined canal, according to DPWH. Do take note, though, that some parts of this route remain unfinished. Stil...

Jan22019 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Cafe Sa Bukid – thriving in the middle of nowhere

Bukidnon, Business, Cafe, Consumer, Features, Food, Malaybalay City, Mindanao, Tourism

I think it was just a matter of time. After all, it sits on a verdant plateau between mountain ranges (so you know fo' sho' you see amazing views everywhere!), the weather is nice, life is chill and the people are cool and friendly. I'm talking about Lantapan, Bukidnon, situated between the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges, having its first crowd-drawing cafe, Cafe Sa Bukid. This 2-storey hut largely made out of bamboo has become quite a sensation - attracting not only local customers but visitors from just about everywhere. I went home to the Philippines a few weeks ago and Cafe Sa Bukid was one of the places my relatives and I visited. It’s located in Kibangay, Lantapan, about 45 minutes away from the Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay City junction. You won’t miss it - it’s alon...

Dec62018 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanao will be home to the largest inflatable playground in the Philippines

Bukidnon, Business, Consumer, Mindanaoan Update

First, it was the longest dual cable zipline, next was the thrilling Dropzone, then the absolutely exhilarating Skyjump (I have tried all 3 and they're all major fun!), now Mindanao's most favorite extreme adventure park is back at it again! Dahilayan Adventure Park will soon unveil the largest inflatable playground in the entire Philippines! By the looks of it, the upcoming inflatable playground at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon will have bounce houses, jump and slides, stages (26 of them!) and obstacle courses. The entire playground will have a total length of 250 meters or a quarter of a kilometer. Sounds really exciting especially for kids, toddlers, the young ones and, okay, the young once! ;) Who's excited for this? As of this writing, th...